The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 157th Course and the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), commencing from 1st January 2027.
This article provides comprehensive details about UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026, including vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, application fee, selection process, important dates, detailed notification PDF, and online application form link. The UPSC NDA NA I 2026 Online Registration start from 10th December to 30th December 2025.
UPSC NDA NA Examination I 2026 – Notification Overview
www.indgovtjobs.in
|
Name of the Exam |
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 |
|---|---|
|
Total Vacancies |
394 (NDA: 370, Naval Academy: 24) |
|
Age Limit |
Born between 01/07/2007 and 01/07/2010 |
|
Stipend |
Rs. 56,100/- month during training |
|
Educational Qualification |
12th Pass or appearing |
|
Selection Process |
Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
|
Closing Date |
30/12/2025 |
|
Exam Date |
12/04/2026 |
✅ UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Vacancy List
|
Academy/Service |
No of Vacancies |
|---|---|
|
NDA - Army |
208 (including 10 for females) |
|
NDA - Navy |
42 (including 5 for females) |
|
NDA - Air Force (Flying) |
92 (including 2 for females) |
|
NDA - Air Force (Ground Duties - Tech) |
18 (including 2 for females) |
|
NDA - Air Force (Ground Duties - Non Tech) |
10 (including 2 for females) |
|
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) |
24 (including 3 for females) |
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
✔️ Nationality: Unmarried male/female; Indian citizen, subject of Nepal, or person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries (Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, Vietnam) with intent to settle permanently. Certificate of eligibility required for non-Indian citizens (except Gorkha subjects of Nepal).
✔️ Age Limit: Born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010. DOB as per Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate or equivalent. No changes allowed post-submission.
✔️ Educational Qualification:
- Army Wing (NDA): Matric + 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) or equivalent from State Board/University.
- Air Force/Navy (NDA) & Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University. The Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.
✔️ Physical Standards: As per UPSC NDA NA I notification. Includes visual standards (e.g., 6/6, 6/9 for Flying Branch), dental fitness (min. 14 dental points), and gynaecological standards for females. No manifest squint, anaemia, or hereditary haemolytic conditions. Candidates post-refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK) may be fit if meeting criteria (e.g., 12 months post-surgery, corneal thickness ≥450 microns).
✔️ Other: Unmarried; must not marry during training. Candidates previously withdrawn on disciplinary grounds or resigned from training academies ineligible.
✅ Selection Process:
✔️ Written Examination: Objective-type, bilingual (Hindi/English). Subjects: Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hrs), General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hrs). Negative marking applies. Min. qualifying marks set by UPSC.
✔️ SSB Interview (900 marks): Two-stage process (Psychological Aptitude Test, Intelligence Test). Stage 1 qualifiers proceed to Stage 2. Includes Officer Potentiality Test; Air Force candidates may undergo CPSS. Conducted Dec 2025–Jan 2026.
✔️ Medical Exam: Post-SSB, as per Appendix-III standards.
✔️ Final merit based on Written Exam + SSB marks. Separate merit lists for male/female candidates. Allocation per service preferences and vacancies.
✅ Application Fee:
✔️ ₹ 100/- for General/ OBC/ EWS category candidates
✔️ No fee for SC/ST, female candidates, or wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (with certificate from Military/Sainik School principal).
✔️ The fee should be made through online payment mode ((via Visa/Master/RuPay Card, UPI, or Net Banking).
✅ How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026:
➢ Eligible Indian Citizen fill Online Application Form through UPSC Online Application Portal up to 30/12/2025 up to 6:00 PM. The registration steps are follows:-
➢ Registration Steps:
1. Register on new UPSC portal (create account, universal registration, common application form). Old OTR invalid.
2. Fill exam-specific module, upload documents (DOB proof, 12th certificate/ marksheet, photo ID: Aadhaar preferred).
3. Specify service preferences (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy) in order [1–4].
4. Pay fee online, submit form. No withdrawals or corrections post-submission.
5. Download e-Admit Card from UPSC website 7 days before exam (no postal delivery).
➢ Carry photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport etc.) to exam/SSB. Inform employer (if in Govt/Armed Forces) in writing.
➢ Contact helpline: 011-24041001 (10:00 AM–5:30 PM, working days) or email upscsoap@nic.in for queries.
✅ Important Links:
|
UPSC NDA NA 2026 Detailed Notification |
|
|
Online Application Form |
|
|
Latest 10th 12th Pass Government Jobs List |
|
|
Join Our Free Govt Jobs Alert Channel |
✅ Important Dates:
|
Opening Date for Online Registration |
10/12/0225 |
|
Closing Date for Online Registration |
30/12/2025 |
|
Written Examination Date |
12/04/2026 |
|
Tentative Month of SSB Interview |
to be notification |
✅ Frequently Asked Questions:
How many total vacancies are announced in UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026?
Total 394 vacancies (NDA – 370 including 23 for female candidates | Naval Academy – 24 including 3 for female candidates).
What is the age limit for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026?
Candidates must be born not earlier than 2nd July 2007 and not later than 1st July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
Are girls/female candidates eligible for NDA 2026?
Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible for all wings (Army, Navy, Air Force) and Naval Academy.
What is the educational qualification required?
Army Wing: 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern)
Navy, Air Force & Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates appearing in 12th are also eligible.
What is the selection process for NDA & NA (I) 2026?
Written Examination (900 marks) → SSB Interview (900 marks) → Medical Examination → Final Merit List.
What is the last date to apply online?
30th December 2025 up to 6:00 PM.
What is the application fee?
₹100/- for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. No fee for all Female candidates, SC/ST candidates and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
When will the NDA & NA (I) 2026 written exam be held?
12th April 2026.